Disability

[coop11]

I have suffered with anxiety and depression for 25 yrs. It has become so severe that I can not work or most days get out of bed. I am thinking of filing for disability. Has anyone had an experience with this. I am financially sinking and need support.

[cb934586]

Yes, file for disability. I have been on it for 4 years. Need your doctor's to support you.

[Mayo1103]

Hello coop, yes, if you’re in the US file for SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance. I was lucky? My work offered short term then long term disability. When I was on long term, I had to apply for Social Security and if I was denied, then my long term disability would continue until I no longer needed it. The insurance company had lawyers fill out my paperwork all I had to do was sign a few releases and two forms and I was approved. I’ve heard most people get denied their first try, then on the third appeal they get it. I suggest finding a reputable lawyer to assist you thru the process.

[one-love]

I know your pain I have my good days and my bad days a lot of my anxiety attacks I thought were heart attacks in the beginning because of the physical symptoms I was always having (heart pounding, dizzy, impending doom feeling, breathing difficulty) but after years of having them and talking to doctors and therapists I realize now when I have them they are just anxiety attacks but they can be very scary for sure if you don't know what it is in the beginning. I hate taking RX meds too so it's a double edge sword, I feel like I trade one problem for another when I take the pills the doctors give me and all the side effects that come with them. To be honest I have been using medical marijuana for the last few years and I feel it really helps me and doesn't have near as many bad side effects. I know it might sound crazy but look into it and try a sativa strain it really helps with mood, anxiety and depression. But use a low does if you never tried it before

[gogogirl]

Are you in the US? I am older , and have experienced job loss in my life also. It's a cycle - not working at least in my opinion can cause more anxiety. Do you work now? If you are in the US- can you file for a LOA? I hope you have a support system as well.

[coop11 in reply to gogogirl]

What is LOA?

[gogogirl in reply to coop11]

Leave of absence. In the US the family leave act passed in 1993. If you are not working it does not apply. It is for people currently working so that they can take care of a major medical problem or one with a family member or even a maternity leave. Also, I hope you have a support system or a counselor.

[gogogirl]

I hope you can get to the bottom of where this started. That is a long time. I have had anxiety/depression also and know it can be very hard.